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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Mar;103(3):607-616.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.10.006. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Impact of the mental health and dynamic referral for oncology (MHADRO) program on oncology patient outcomes, health care utilization, and health provider behaviors: A multi-site randomized control trial

Erin O'Hea  1 , Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers  2 , Alexandra S Cutillo  3 , Hannah R Michalak  4 , Bruce A Barton  5 , Tina Harralson  6 , Cindy Carmack  7 , Cori McMahon  8 , Edwin D Boudreaux  9
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of the mental health and dynamic referral for oncology (MHADRO) program on oncology patient outcomes, health care utilization, and health provider behaviors: A multi-site randomized control trial

Erin O'Hea et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: The MHADRO assesses psychosocial and medical needs, provides tailored feedback reports, and connects patients to mental health providers. This study examined the MHADRO's effect on patient outcomes, health care utilization, and oncology provider documentation and behaviors.

Methods: 836 patients were part of a multi-site RCT and assessments were conducted at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 months.

Results: The intervention group engaged in less emergency calls to providers. There were no differences in psychosocial outcomes at follow up assessments. Providers of patients in the intervention group were more likely to: document psychosocial symptoms and history; refer to psychosocial services; encourage support groups; seek psychological evaluations during visits. Patients who agreed to a mental health referral had decreased hospitalizations, increased mental health care interactions, and stronger ratings of counseling potential benefits. This group also reported increased psychosocial distress at all follow-up assessments.

Conclusion: The MHADRO may increase access to mental health care, lessen utilization, and improve providers' management of psychosocial needs, but does not appear to impact overall functioning over time.

Practice implications: Providers are encouraged to consider incorporating programs, like the MHADRO, into patient care as they may have the potential to impact screening and management of patients' psychosocial needs.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01442285.

Keywords: Cancer; Health care utilization; Psychological distress; Psychosocial intervention; Technology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
MHADRO RCT CONSORT DIAGRAM
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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